Released as a Netflix Original on Sept. 13, Tall Girl, focuses on a 6’1 highschooler named Jodi Kreyman who struggles with self-acceptance and “finding the one.” She has trouble with finding a boyfriend who sees her as more than “just the tall girl,” until she meets Stig (Luke Eisner), a tall, seemingly-perfect Swedish boy. The movie is full of exaggerated scenes relating to Jodi’s not-so-crazy height. Despite its recent popularity with viewers, it’s not the best choice when looking for something to watch on Netflix. 

Jodi, played by Ava Michelle, deals with negative people at school every day. They constantly ask her absurd questions, trying to put her down. Compared to her pageant queen sister, Harper (Sabrina Carpenter), Jodi is just a normal teenage girl — apart from her height. Throughout the movie, her sister helps her become more confident with wearing makeup and clothes other than her usual baggy sweatshirts and pants. Her confidence builds up until she is finally able to start a conversation with Stig, the boy of her dreams.

Michelle had dealt with problems, similar to Jodi’s, in her personal life as a dancer, singer, and actress. Along with Tall Girl, the 17-year-old actress was featured on Dance Moms, a TV show that focused on Abby Lee Miller and her dance company. Michelle and her mom appeared on an episode in which Miller takes Michelle’s jacket and tells her to leave. MIller then called her out for being too tall for the team.

In an exclusive interview with HollywoodLife, Michelle talks about her past experiences with body shaming and the importance of social influence to her. “I think it’s so important for those with a platform to have a positive influence and I think this movie is going to be a great way for me to have a voice and to be able to say things in a way people will understand and relate to,” she said. 

The main message of self-love and acceptance is heartwarming, but the movie seemed to match the qualities of a cheesy Disney rom-com. With a predictable and simple plot, Tall Girl is quite perfect for younger viewers. It didn’t have that certain twist or excitement that was expected to make the movie more intricate and enjoyable.

In terms of acting, Michelle is new to the industry, but she has turned out to be a great actress with strong emotion throughout the movie. Acting from others in this film, like Harper and Jack Dunkleman (Griffin Gluck), adds a humorous aspect to the movie, bringing laughter every now and then.

Compared to other Netflix Originals like The Kissing Booth and To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, Tall Girl isn’t one of the best. It doesn’t reach the high expectations set by popular rom-coms featured on Netflix.